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Health director warns of lower flu uptake; board considers expanded outreach and budget tweak
Summary
Southborough health staff reported a shortfall in flu vaccinations in FY25, returned unused vaccine stock, and recommended increasing the immunization revolving account and more public outreach ahead of the next season.
Health director warns of lower flu uptake; board considers expanded outreach and budget tweak
Southborough public health staff told the Board of Health on July 15 that flu vaccination uptake fell in the most recent season and that leftover vaccine stock from FY25 will be returned to manufacturers; staff asked the board to consider more outreach and a larger immunization revolving account ahead of the next season.
The health director reported that the department will return a portion of unused vaccine and that town meeting previously approved an increase in the immunization account (the director said the account was increased from around $5,000 to about $28,000). The director said, “last year, we did not do well with flu vaccine. I have at least a third of my vaccine left that I'm gonna send back to the manufacturer from last year that's expired.”
Staff attributed lower uptake to a range of factors, including vaccine hesitancy and confusion about combined COVID/flu shots. The director said the town had strong student and school staff turnout in prior years but that adult employee and senior participation were down. The board discussed targeted outreach measures, including a mailer, and the director said she would contact Greaterboroughs (regional partners) about joint outreach and present options at a future meeting.
Staff said they ordered vaccines for the coming season based on last year’s usage but flagged uncertainty around federal advisory committee (ACIP) recommendations and potential new COVID or RSV vaccine availability. The board asked staff to bring an outreach proposal — including school‑based clinics and senior targeting — to a future agenda so the board could approve funding from the larger immunization account if needed.
